ARC Review Round-Up - 3 Star Reviews

 


ARC reviews are always a mixed bag, offering glimpses of brilliance alongside the occasional stumble. In this week’s Review Round-Up, I’m diving into five advanced reader copies that left me with plenty to think about. From the cosmic ambitions of Titan of the Stars to the magical intrigue of The Last Wizards' Ball, these books delivered moments of excitement, but not without their challenges. With themes ranging from sibling rivalry (Listen to Your Sister) to chaotic deities (Daughter of Chaos) and immortal beings (Immortal), this collection proved that even promising reads can sometimes fall short of their full potential.

Titan of the Stars

E.K. Johnston

Titan of the Stars by E.K. Johnston falls short of the high expectations set by her previous works, earning a middling 3 stars. While the premise promised an exciting interstellar adventure, the execution lacked the depth needed to truly bring the story to life. The world-building felt sparse and underdeveloped, leaving too many questions unanswered and failing to immerse the reader in the universe. Similarly, the characters lacked the complexity and growth necessary to make them compelling, their motivations and relationships feeling superficial. The overall tone came across as overly simplistic and juvenile, a departure from the nuanced storytelling Johnston is known for. While the book had moments of promise, it ultimately didn’t deliver on its potential.


Daughter of Chaos

A.S. Webb

Daughter of Chaos by A.S. Webb starts strong, drawing readers in with its intriguing premise of a mortal rebellion against the gods in ancient Greece and a heroine with mysterious powers tied to golden fruit. The early chapters brim with tension, as Danae is driven from her home and sets out on a journey of self-discovery and prophecy. However, the story quickly unravels, losing its focus amidst a whirlwind of underdeveloped characters, rushed events, and an overly complicated plot. While the mythology-inspired world has potential, it often feels underexplored, leaving readers craving more depth and cohesion. Despite its flaws, the book offers moments of excitement and creativity, making it an ambitious, if uneven, debut.




Listen to Your Sister

Neena Viel

Listen to Your Sister by Neena Viel is an ambitious speculative horror novel that promises chills and emotional depth but falls short of delivering a cohesive story, earning a 3-star rating. The blend of speculative horror and sibling dynamics is intriguing, with Calla’s struggle as a reluctant guardian creating a strong emotional anchor. However, the narrative feels uneven, as the initial focus on family drama and protest-driven conflict gives way to a surreal and disjointed cabin-in-the-woods horror. While there are moments of humor, tension, and heartfelt connection, the abrupt tonal and thematic shifts make the story feel like two separate ideas awkwardly combined. Fans of speculative horror might still find its ambition and vivid imagery engaging, but the lack of narrative cohesion undermines its potential.


Immortal

Sue Lynn Tan

Sue Lynn Tan’s Immortal is a beautifully written tale steeped in mythology, but it struggled to fully capture my attention. While the prose is undeniably lyrical, I found it difficult to connect with the characters on a deeper level, which made it hard to invest in their journey. The story unfolds at a slow pace, and while the rich descriptions create an immersive atmosphere, they occasionally overshadow the plot’s momentum. Though there are moments of brilliance and intriguing twists, the lack of emotional resonance left me feeling detached. Fans of lush world-building might enjoy this one, but it wasn’t quite the right fit for me.





The Last Wizards' Ball

Charlaine Harris

Charlaine Harris’s The Last Wizards' Ball delivers an intriguing premise with its mix of magic, political tension, and family loyalty, but the execution falls short. The story of Lizbeth Rose protecting her sister Felicia in a deadly game of wizardry and power has plenty of potential, especially with its high-stakes setting and Felicia’s captivating role as a death wizard. However, the writing feels uninspired and overly generic, lacking the vivid prose or emotional depth needed to fully bring the world and characters to life. While fans of the Gunnie Rose series may appreciate the closure this final installment provides, the lack of narrative flair makes it a middling conclusion to an otherwise inventive series.




While not every book in this round-up soared to new heights, each offered something unique to consider. From interstellar drama to magical misadventures, these stories explored fascinating themes, even if they didn’t always stick the landing. As always, reviewing ARCs is a journey of discovery, and I’m grateful for the chance to experience these worlds before they hit shelves. If any of these titles intrigue you, I’d love to hear your thoughts—sometimes a different perspective can transform how a story is seen!

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